The dark side of the domus

Abstract

This paper offers a critique of the concept of 'dwelling', which has become something of a dominant paradigm within architectural theory. The paper explores the philosophical underpinnings of the concept in the work of Martin Heidegger. It makes connections with the notion of Heimat in National Socialism, and argues that not only does 'dwelling' have a dark side, but that it is also ill equipped to deal with our contemporary cultural conditions. The paper concludes that architecture must look to a more flexible theoretical model, more in tune with the fluidity, flux and complexity of our contemporary modes of existence.